Originally Posted by Slipfree:
So after a night of reflection, I decided that I needed to rejoice in the changes that have happened since Oct. 2nd in my life. So..

Okay my friends, how about a little fun? Instead of the 12 Days of Christmas, how about the 12 Ways IP Has Changed Me? Can not wait to read yours!

1. I can cross my legs easily.
2. I dry my jeans now, hoping they will shrink.
3. I buy meat at the store and I worry about if I have enough vegetables.
4. My blood pressure is normal.
5. My family is very supportive of my IP goals and quest.
6. All of my coats, fit over sweaters.
7. I have lost 50 pounds (15 before IP).
8. I drink water. I use the Loo all the time
9. I cook almost every night
10. I do not go to Dunkin Donuts for coffee every day (they must miss me)
11. I am buying medium sweaters.
12. I have made wonderful, supportive friends on Oct. Newbies.

Here's mine:

1. I fit into my kitchen chairs with arms.
2. I've gone from a size 34 pant to 26 (uncharted territory!).
3. I bought small pans rather than the ginormous ones that I used to cook "planned overs" in which always gotten eaten as seconds, thirds, etc. Now we have no leftovers unless it's with the kids "Carb foods".
4. I've gone from a size 5x to a 2x in tops.
5. I tend to cook two or three nights a week but make a batch of food that is good for hubby and I for two or three days (Gasp, ACTUAL PLANNED OVERS)
6. My self image has completely changed. I used to be a person who didn't believe that I could change the way I was, that I was destined to be "the fat one" for my entire life. I now think that I can do/be whatever I put my mind to.
7. I've lost just about 60lbs since October 2nd. That's more than I lost all last year working with a personal trainer and exercising EVERY DAY (weight training/cardio alternating every day)
8. Water is my best friend, followed by romaine lettuce.
9. ALL of my food allergies have resolved themselves, and I can now eat beef and drink milk (half and half for my coffee).
10. My blood pressure is now 90/60 (which is what it used to be when I was a teenager)
11. I don't have to lean over into the passenger seat to lift my leg into the car anymore.
12. I have made wonderful, supportive friends on Oct. Newbies. (stolen from slipfree, but its soooo true)

Love everyone's 12 ways!
I'm struggling a bit right now because my infection in my chest has come back and have spent the morning at the dr. getting breathing treatments and two shots in my booty. I have new regimen of antibiotics and steroids to squish this thing. I've cried most the day because I'm tired of being sick and also tonight was my company's Christmas Party. It is a 1920's theme and I had bought a new dress (2 sizes smaller than before ip) and all new jewelry...everything. I'm not attending. I don't throw pity parties very often but I am not use to being down. Very frustrating. I do NOT have an appetite for the usual veggies and I don't have the energy to cook. I'm not really going to worry about staying op the next few days, I just don't have it in me. I'm not going to blow it, but if I have a cracker cause I'm nauseous well, that is what it is for now. The family flies in from out of state on Tuesday and I am praying for a noticeable improvement in my health. I do hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and safe travels if you are traveling :)

12 Ways IP has changed me:

1 I eat way more veggies than I ever thought possible...and I like them!
2 I still want chocolate and carbs but I don't feel that I NEED them.
3 I love water
4 I no longer remotely want a soda
5 I no longer beat myself up for being human, slipping up
6 I love my October group!!
7 I've learned how to cook yummy dinners that aren't a heart attack waiting to happen.
8 I can live without cheese
9 I have dug out my 'skinny' clothes and am starting to be able to wear them.
10 Others are noticing my efforts and it feels good.
11 I'm actually not afraid to buy a swimsuit for my trip in March.
12 I feel more confident and stronger than ever :)

Wow! What wonderful, thoughtful 12 ways! Amazing how many celebrations they include, keep them coming!

Airportchick, I am sending you a great big hug and wish I lived close enough to cook for you. The steroid treatment should work pretty quickly to open the airways. Had to do it last year for a respiratory infection. I am sorry about your party too! You deserve to have a huge boo hoo party. I wanted to cry for you.

Originally Posted by airportchick11:
Love everyone's 12 ways!
I'm struggling a bit right now because my infection in my chest has come back and have spent the morning at the dr. getting breathing treatments and two shots in my booty. I have new regimen of antibiotics and steroids to squish this thing. I've cried most the day because I'm tired of being sick and also tonight was my company's Christmas Party. It is a 1920's theme and I had bought a new dress (2 sizes smaller than before ip) and all new jewelry...everything. I'm not attending. I don't throw pity parties very often but I am not use to being down. Very frustrating. I do NOT have an appetite for the usual veggies and I don't have the energy to cook. I'm not really going to worry about staying op the next few days, I just don't have it in me. I'm not going to blow it, but if I have a cracker cause I'm nauseous well, that is what it is for now. The family flies in from out of state on Tuesday and I am praying for a noticeable improvement in my health. I do hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and safe travels if you are traveling :)

Oh noes! I'm sorry you are so sick. That's terrible. I hope you feel better by Tuesday. :hug:

Just popped in to say "Hi". I am enjoying reading my fellow October start date posts. I am reviewing the 12 things to be grateful for, and am inspired. I have had a really good day, no cravings, and got to try the IP double fudge brownie, it's good guys. I plan for Christmas to make myself a small triffle out of one to enjoy as dessert@!

airportchick11-hang in there. I feel for u. Just do what you have to do to get back on track. Try to rest-maybe that is what u need.

want2bskinnyagain--thanks for the tips on the cruise. I meet with my coach tom. and we will see what the plan will be and then I will decide. Where are you from that you live 2 hours from a clinic? Just curious.

Keep up the great work everybody!

Airportchick: Feel better!

Hope you feel better airport chick! :hug:

Thanks everyone, yet again, crying reading all your well wishes...good Lord I'm like a faucet!!

Originally Posted by airportchick11:
Thanks everyone, yet again, crying reading all your well wishes...good Lord I'm like a faucet!!

Airport,

Just need to let you know, if you're on steroids, they can (not always) make you retain water. But as soon as you stop taking them, it all goes WOOOSH!!!

Hang in there.. I was awfully sick the week after I started IP but managed to stay OP..You'll feel better soon, I know it! All your IP buddies here are wishing/praying/thinking (whatever happy thoughts type thing you wanna say) of you.

Lucilove, I live in Canada and 2 hrs from a city.

Hope everyone has a good IP week!

Hey everyone. Hope all is well. I'm sorry I've been a little absent. I've been incredibly stressed out and overworked by one of my MBA classes. I had my weekly weigh-in on Friday and got rid of another 1.5 lbs which is still good but I'm looking forward to the stress of this class being over on Dec 23rd and enjoying time with all my family and friends for the holidays. Apparently my body is back in Ketosis because the scale is already showing significant loss since Friday. Hopefully I get a nice Christmas present of a big loss. I'm at 306 lbs, so my first big goal has been to get under 300 by the end of the year, fingers crossed!

Originally Posted by Jig:
Hey everyone. Hope all is well. I'm sorry I've been a little absent. I've been incredibly stressed out and overworked by one of my MBA classes. I had my weekly weigh-in on Friday and got rid of another 1.5 lbs which is still good but I'm looking forward to the stress of this class being over on Dec 23rd and enjoying time with all my family and friends for the holidays. Apparently my body is back in Ketosis because the scale is already showing significant loss since Friday. Hopefully I get a nice Christmas present of a big loss. I'm at 306 lbs, so my first big goal has been to get under 300 by the end of the year, fingers crossed!

You can do it Jig! I have faith!!:carrot:

Hi everyone,

Airportchick, how are you feeling?

Looking forward to seeing more Newbie -12 Ways IP has changed me.

Mondays make me tired :(

NSV-coming into school, a group of my girls from last year stopped me. One of them said, You look different. I said, well, I have lost some weight. Then the other five, all started talking -saying they knew it and how good I looked. So funny. They are the first kids to say anything. Gotta love 8th graders.

Jig, great to read your check in. Sorry to hear that you are soo stressed about grad school. Wishing you luck on reaching your New Year goal.